Dennis Bergkamp has failed in an appeal against the red card he received during Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Sheffield United.

The Dutchman is now banned for Arsenal's next three domestic games.

Bergkamp had claimed wrongful dismissal on the basis that he had raised his hands but had not intended to strike Blades defender Danny Cullip.

But the Football Association ruled against him this morning, meaning Bergkamp's suspension begins immediately.

He will miss the Premiership games against Southampton and Portsmouth, as well as the replay against the Blades at Bramall Lane.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger could also find himself without Jose Antonio Reyes for the next three games.

The Spaniard has also been charged with violent conduct by the FA following the Highbury cup tie.

His hearing will be heard tomorrow, with Reyes not present, and should there be a similar outcome, Wenger will be left with Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie as his only two recognised first-team strikers.

Referee Neale Barry did not clearly see the incident in which Reyes seemed to slap Blades forward Andy Liddell amid the melee which followed Cullip's original foul on Cesc Fabregas, which prompted Bergkamp's reaction.